Emmy-winning Rick and Morty co-creator Dan Harmon is creating a new original animated series set in ancient Greece.
Part of a new animation deal from Fox Entertainment with Harmon, the currently untitled show will focusing on a family of humans, gods and monsters trying to run one of the world’s first cities.
“Leave it to Dan Harmon to turn the mythos of early Greek civilization into remarkably sharp commentary on today’s politics, celebrity, and pop culture,” Michael Thorn, president of entertainment at Fox, said in a statement obtained by IndieWire.
Photo: Getty Images
He continued: “This project is an incredibly irreverent family comedy as told by one of the town’s most inventive storytellers.
“We are proud to be partnered with Dan on this series, which strengthens our hold on the animation space and, as we continue to build Fox Entertainment, marks an important first step for us with our first fully owned scripted property.”
Harmon’s show ‘Rick and Morty’ became an instant cult classic after it’s release in 2013. The show focuses on the wild adventures between scientist Rick Sanchez and his grandson Morty. The series has won two primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Animated Program.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday announced a full lockdown in the capital Athens to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
The new restrictions in Athens, where half of the country’s population of 11 million lives, include the closure of non-essential shops and schools from Feb. 11 until the end of the month, Mitsotakis said in a televised address to the nation.
Authorities registered 1,526 infections on Tuesday, more than double the number recorded a day earlier – half of them in the wider Athens area, with COVID-19 related deaths reaching 6,017 since the coronavirus was first detected.
The Prime Minister added that the new measures will be further specified by those in charge tomorrow Wednesday.
“The goal is to always be one step ahead of the virus. And this tactic was effective in the last ban in January,” Mitsotakis said.
Photo: Reuters
“Today, however, the danger is reappearing. Not in the form of thousands of sick and deaths, as in other European countries, but with two facts that worry us greatly.
“On the one hand, the increase of hospitalizations in Attica where the health structures are gradually filling up. And, on the other hand, the mutations of the virus that seem to accelerate it’s transmissibility.”
Greece has administered more than 400,000 inoculations so far with the Pfizer/BionTech and Moderna vaccines and is due to start vaccinating people aged 60-64 with the AstraZeneca shots on Feb. 15.
Referring to the ongoing vaccination program, Mitsotakis said that “we know that from April we will be in much better position. But now we must prevent the danger.”
Thanasi Kokkinakis couldn’t help but break into tears after beating Kwon Soon-woo 6-4 6-1 6-1, claiming his first Australian Open win since 2015.
The 24-year-old has had a turbulent past few years, facing glandular fever and constant muscle injuries. The Greek Australian revealed last year the hard tole that quarantine took on him, yet still managed to hold on and commit his life to tennis.
Kokkinakis played sensationally after over a year of no professional tournament experience. The Greek Australian delivered a hard forearm and used his stamina to out-pace his South Korean opponent, winning six of seven break points. Also landing 19 aces, he defeated the Soon-woo in one hour and 33 minutes.
Thanasi Kokkinakis. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
After claiming the third straight set, with the victory, he was overwhelmed with emotion.
“At 5-0 (in the third set), obviously I didn’t want to think about the finish line, but I thought about it,” he said.
Kokkinakis will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, who also won in three straight sets, in the next round of the Australian Open.
“We practiced a few years ago in the past, I’ve met his family… Obviously both being Greek we get along. But yeah it’s going to be exciting,” Kokkinakis said in a press conference following Tsitsipas’ match.
Stefanos Tsitsipas took a convincing victory in the first round of the Australian Open, defeating Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.
A strong, yet COVID-safe, crowd was present tonight as Tsitsipas put his best work on display for the opening round.
The Greek kicked off the match with two break points to get a five-game lead above his competitor in the first set. An incredible performance by the Greek, he managed to take the first set 6-1.
A game of long rallies, increased stamina seemed to be a strong benefit in the match.
The two tennis professionals played game for game as the match continued into the second set, with the Frenchman adding a bit of flair to his shots on occasion. Applauded for his determination witnessed in the match, the power of Tsitsipas’ shots was too much for Simon at times in the second set. The Greek went two sets up after one hour.
The third set came and went as the Greek continued his strong run of form. Simons had a few opportunities to come back and hopefully turn the tide of the match, yet critical missed opportunities ultimately costed the Frenchman on the day.
Tsitsipas will face Greek Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in what will be a highly anticipated second round. Sakkari will unfortunately not be going into round 2 with the Greeks after a surprise upset against Kristina Mladenovic.
Asked if he was surprised at the scoreline, Tsitsipas said he didn’t expect it to be “so easy”.
“I clearly played a spectacular match… I don’t know what else to say,” Tsitsipas said in the post match interview, clearly trying to be as modest as possible, but failing humorously.
“They provide so much support and give so much positive energy.”
“Melbournians are very welcoming people and this is probably one of the best events in the world.”
To be a proud Hellene, one is to be proud of the ancient language! The Greek language is one of the most influential languages in Western culture, with its importance being partnered with its ancient roots and modern use.
In celebration of International Greek Language Day on February 9, The Greek Herald spoke exclusively with Meg Smith, who many Greek Australian community members will recognise as the pioneering force in the safety of the Greek Language Program at La Trobe University.
Meg was driven to learn Greek in 2017, when her pappou tragically passed away. During the funeral service, she felt heartbroken that she couldn’t understand many of the stories that were told by old family and friends in Greek.
“I always had a wonderful relationship with my pappou,” Meg said to The Greek Herald.
“He was one of my greatest friends and he understood me so well, but we never spoke the same language. So I almost felt jealous that all these people knew him in a way that I didn’t know him.
“So I thought, no, I need to learn how to speak Greek. I have the same relationship with my yiayia and I want to be able to communicate with her in Greek so I can hear all of her stories about where she grew up, where we come from, and what prompted her to migrate to Australia.”
Meg Smith on a holiday to Greece. Photo: Supplied
Being in Year 12 at the time, Meg Googled Greek language university courses and came across the La Trobe Greek Language Program.
“What really attracted me to La Trobe was that it has a beginning stream, an intermediate stream and advanced stream. So I wouldn’t start with people who are already fluent. I would start with people who already didn’t know the alphabet, just like me. So it was perfect.”
The La Trobe Greek Language Program is the only Modern Greek program that offers three levels of Greek learning at a university level. In late 2020, Meg Smith and other members of the La Trobe Greek Language Society worked with the Greek Community of Melbourne to ensure its survivability.
Entering her third year and final semester, Meg said she also plans to do Honours in Modern Greek.
“After my first semester in 2019, I realized not only is this improving my relationship with my family, it’s also my passion. I really love to learn and I also am finding so much out about my culture and my family.”
“I took a chance on learning Greek and it just turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
To Meg, a connection with her family is the most important thing to uphold. Much of her pappou’s family still resides in Greece and while other families now engage with relatives via social media, Meg decided to take up the artform of letter writing.
“I write letters to my pappou’s brother who lives in Greece and my yiayia’s first cousin who also lives in Greece. And because my boyfriend is Greek and he didn’t learn how to speak Greek growing up, I help him write letters to his relatives in Greece as well.”
In honour of International Greek Language Day, The Greek Herald asked Meg exactly why it is so important to hold on to the Greek language in Australia.
“It was actually a poem by Cavafy that made me realise this: That if we lose our language, the Greek people of Australia have so many traditions and we will forget why we do them.”
From the Paragon Cafe in Katoomba to the Olympia Milk Bar in Stanmore. All are iconic food establishments in the history of Greek Australians. In fact, they’re so memorable that to this day, years after many have closed down or are under different ownership, they are still spoken about.
One such instance was during a special online event called ‘Greek Australian Milk Bars and Cafes: Past and Present,’ held today by NSW Public Libraries at 12.30pm.
Guest speaker at the event was Macquarie University historian and co-author of Greek Cafes and Milk Bars in Australia, Leonard Janiszewski. He provided some valuable insights into how the Greek establishments came to be and what their future looks like.
A special online event called ‘Greek Australian Milk Bars and Cafes: Past and Present,’ was held today by NSW Public Libraries. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Mr Janiszewski described how once Australia’s first milk bar opened in Martin Place, Sydney in 1932, people queued in their thousands for a taste of America.
“They were successful because they were using American products like ice cream, but there was also that Greek influence in terms of social engagement,” Mr Janiszewski said during the event.
“The Greeks also knew they could rely on their family for help. Family became the nucleus of success.”
Over time, Greek Australian milk bars and cafes spread across Australia, until there were over 4000 registered in the country. Many continued serving what they knew best – milkshakes and mixed grills – while others tried branching out into Greek cuisine as well.
“It worked for some but generally speaking, not many of the cafes or milk bars had Greek food. The British and Australians saw it as ‘peasant food’ because they typically ate steaks and eggs,” Mr Janiszewski explained.
From there, the discussion moved into the future of Greek Australian cafes and milk bars, as well as the factors leading to their demise in the first place.
Mr Janiszewski said one of the factors was that the establishments were not meant for second and third generation Greek Australians.
“The establishments provided a foothold for second and third generation Greek Australians to get a good education and become professionals,” the historian said.
Capital Milk Bar in Wagga Wagga. Source: X. Stathis, from the ‘In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians’ National Project Archives.
“Economically they were also changing due to the mechanisation of agriculture, picture theatres were being challenged by television and there was the corporatisation of fast food, with the introduction of KFC, Burger King, and more.”
Some Greek Australians have tried to revive the institutions through ‘nostalgia cafes, Mr Janiszewski said, but ‘it’s very difficult.’
“They can’t exist on nostalgia alone. From what I’ve seen, it’s very difficult. They need to provide a sustainable economic program… and give something special to the community.”
A sombre warning for Greek Australian cafes and milk bars, but one we should acknowledge to ensure the history of these iconic establishments is never forgotten.
Greek tennis player, Maria Sakkari, has lost in the first round of the Australian Open to French player Kristina Mladenovic 6-2, 0-6, 6-3.
With the sun shining on Tuesday and a top of 27 degrees, it seemed the sweltering heat took its toll on Sakkari in the first set of the match.
Mladenovic started off extremely well by breaking Sakkari. The Greek star did manage to break back but it wasn’t enough, with Mladenovic eventually claiming the set 6-2.
Sakkari made a comeback in the second set, breaking Mladenovic at least three times and holding her serve to win the set 6-0.
But the 25-year-old wasn’t able to hold onto that lead in the third set with Mladenovic’s speed and agility seeing her claim the decider.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne, will move tonight that Council grant the final approval for the establishment of a Greek precinct in Marrickville, to be known as “Little Greece.”
If approved, Council will submit to the Geographic Names Board that the precinct of “Little Greece” be established on Marrickville Road between Livingstone Road and Victoria Road.
Mayor Byrne said this precinct will recognise the long-standing contribution of Greek Australians in the Inner West.
“Naming a section of Marrickville as ‘Little Greece’ is a gesture of respect to all the Greek migrants who helped establish the Inner West as the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism,” Mayor Byrne said.
“By establishing ‘Little Greece’ in Marrickville, we have an opportunity to reinforce Marrickville as one of Sydney’s great cultural assets. This precinct will formalise the ongoing special bond that exists between Marrickville and Greece.
“I wish to thank everyone in the Marrickville and broader Inner West community for all their hard work in seeing ‘Little Greece’ realised. Special thanks need to go to Councillor Sam Iskandar, who first approached me with the idea for this precinct.”
The name and location of the precinct follows recent community consultation. This found that “Little Greece” was favoured over other alternatives such as “Little Athens” and that the precinct just be located in Marrickville.
Mayor Byrne will also propose that if final approval for “Little Greece” is received on Tuesday, that the precinct be celebrated on 25 March in conjunction with Greek Independence Day, which this year marks its 200th anniversary.
This would see local residents, community groups and businesses come together, along with Sydney’s Greek leaders at Marrickville Town Hall.
United States Senator Bob Menendez, who is a Democrat and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has introduced to the US Senate a bipartisan resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
The resolution, which was co-sponsored by Republican Senator John Barrasso, celebrates the commitment to democracy that Greece and the US share, as well as their lasting partnership and rich history of friendship.
In a speech after introducing the bipartisan resolution to the Senate, Senator Menendez said he takes “great pride” in standing with Greek Americans to celebrate the momentous anniversary.
United States Senator Bob Menendez.
“As I walk the halls of the Capitol, I am reminded of Greece’s lasting imprint on American society, and that the United States and Greece are forever linked by their shared admiration for and devotion to democratic governance,” Menendez said.
“The relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Adamantios Korais set a foundation for a dialogue on democracy and freedom that continues to this day. I am proud of the roles played by individual American philhellenes who provided support to the Greek revolution – people like Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, Jonathan Peckham Miller, and George Jarvis.
“I extend my warmest wishes to the members of the Hellenic community during this bicentennial year and join in honoring their rich cultural heritage and immense contributions around the world.”
Senator John Barrasso also supported the bipartisan resolution.
Co-sponsor, Senator Barrasso, also extended his “heartfelt congratulations” to Greece for the bicentenary.
“This year’s bicentennial marks a significant milestone for Greece, our strong partner and important ally,” Senator Barrasso said.
“From the very beginning of Greece’s struggle for independence, Americans supported and fought alongside the Greek people. Together, our two nations continue to strive to advance the principles of liberty, freedom, and democracy. The United States looks forward to celebrating another 200 years of close cooperation and friendship.”
The resolution:
Recognises the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day.
Celebrates Ancient Greece as the birthplace of democracy and the enduring commitment of the Greek people to democratic principles.
Acknowledges the important role that Greece has played on the global stage in addition to the country’s strong relationship with the United States.
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said on Monday that the long-established federal formula is the only way forward in Cyprus reunification talks.
“Ending Turkish occupation and finding a viable solution are a fundamental Greek foreign policy priority,” Mitsotakis said after a meeting with Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, in Nicosia.
“The only viable solution is a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.”
Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, have in recent months called for a two-state solution on the ethnically-split island.
This image provided from Cyprus’ press and information office, Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, right, and Greece’s Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis talk during a press conference after their meeting at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus. Photo: Stavros Ioannides, PIO via AP.
Mitsotakis said their position, which is in contravention of United Nations resolutions on Cyprus, is rejected by both the UN and the EU.
“A resumption of meaningful talks can only be understood within the existing framework,” he said.
Greece, Israel sign agreement on tourism during PM’s visit:
The Greek Prime Minister was busy on Monday, making a quick trip to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, just hours after his meeting with the Cypriot President.
During the meeting, the Greek and Israeli leaders signed an accord to ease travel restrictions to Greece for Israelis with proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
“We need to facilitate travellers once they provide easy proof of vaccination and this is what we intend to do with Israel,” Mitsotakis said at a live-streamed joint news conference after the signing.
Η στρατηγική σχέση μεταξύ Ελλάδας και Ισραήλ ενισχύεται όλο και περισσότερο. Η συνεργασία μας στον τομέα της Άμυνας εμβαθύνεται ενώ έχει εκφραστεί μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον από εταιρείες του Ισραήλ για επενδύσεις στον τομέα των ακινήτων, του τουρισμού αλλά και της τεχνολογίας. pic.twitter.com/vg89ANc0hl
Athens hopes this move will support its bid to use vaccination certificates to save its battered tourism sector. Tourism, which accounts for about a fifth of the Greek economy and employs one in five workers, collapsed last year as the pandemic gutted revenues to 4 billion euros from 18 billion in 2019.
Israel has been a world leader in vaccinations, with more than a third of its population receiving the Pfizer Inc-BioNTech shot.
Mitsotakis said Israel’s rapid vaccine campaign meant Monday’s agreement could point the way for similar accords with other countries later, allowing tourists to visit without additional restrictions.
“I expect what we will be doing with Israel to be a trial run for what we can do with other countries,” he said, adding that he expected a gradual suppression of COVID-19 in the months ahead to release considerable pent-up demand for travel.
On his side, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Mitsotakis “volunteered that Greece, their leading hospital, would partake in the clinical trials” for a new vaccine developed by Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Medical Center and that this would be “an example of our cooperation in forging ahead to new areas.”
The hospital said it had completed phase 1 trials of the jab which appears to have helped some moderate-to-serious cases of COVID-19 recover from the disease.
